SUMMARY
The two expansion clubs will forever be compared, but when they meet at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, it should be a one-horse race. While the Suns have been super competitive in recent weeks with their patchwork midfield, the Giants might just be a bridge too far with their depth and power running in that part of the ground. Following a shock loss to Collingwood, GWS has strung three successive wins together and have the depth to keep second spot on the ladder with a comfortable win over Gold Coast. If they're switched on, the Giants just have too much firepower in the middle of the ground and should give their forward line plenty of chances to score.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, August 6, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Jonathon Patton will play his 50th AFL match this week. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2016, Greater Western Sydney 22.17 (149) d Gold Coast 9.4 (58) at Spotless Stadium
R16, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 12.7 (79) at Metricon Stadium
R4, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 16.23 (119) d Gold Coast 7.11 (53) at Manuka Oval
R6, 2014, Gold Coast 20.14 (134) d Greater Western Sydney 13.16 (94) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2013, Gold Coast 22.14 (146) d Greater Western Sydney 9.9 (63) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1.Jeremy Cameron kicked a club record seven goals in the Giants' round-eight victory, while Dylan Shiel had 35 disposals. Aaron Hall had 32 touches for the Suns.
2. One big advantage for the Giants could be in clearances. GWS is ranked first with 40.9 a game, compared to the Suns' 32.9 a game, which ranks them last.
3. This is the ninth clash between the clubs and it's a 4-4 split, although the Giants have won the past three.
4. The Giants remain the number one ranked side for inside 50s in 2016, averaging 58.2 a game. They're also ranked sixth for marks inside 50.
5. No team has won more quarters of football in 2016 than the Giants, with 51. Gold Coast has won just 28.
6. GWS now has a staggering eight players ranked inside the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Dylan Shiel (12th) and Heath Shaw (36th) moved to career highs after last week's win over Richmond.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jonathon Patton
While the 50-game milestone generally isn't that significant, it's hard to not feel good for the big Giants forward. Following two knee reconstructions, Patton has played the past 17 matches after missing the opening round and is a key cog in the AFL's second highest scoring team.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 40 points
